Citrine

What is Citrine?

Citrine is  a quartz in shades of yellow. Quartz is the name of a group of minerals which all have the same chemical composition and physical properties. It is found in alluvial deposits, many of which are in Brazil, but it can also be found in Africa and Russia. Its name derives from the French for ‘lemon’ – Citron.

History

In modern times Citrine is used in Celtic designs.

Folklore

The Citrine is said to protect from ‘evil thoughts’, to increase awareness and to assist in controlling emotions. It is also supposed to raise self esteem and increase awareness.

Citrine (or topaz) is the Zodiac Stone for Leo.

Care

Citrine should be cleaned with warm soapy water and rinsed with clear water. It should be wiped dry and left to dry on a towel. It can be cleaned ultrasonically but cannot be steam cleaned. Take clear to keep away from extreme heat as this can alter the colour of the Citrine.

Care of Citrine (Summary)

•    Wash in warm soapy water
•    Wipe dry and leave on towel
•    Can be cleaned ultrasonically
•    Avoid steam cleaning

Techical

It is rare to find Citrine as a pure gem but where it exists it is usually pale yellow. The majority of citrine is heat treated amethyst.

The crystal structure of Citrine is Trigonal. Citrine is a hard stone, measuring 7 on the Mohs scale. It has a density of 2.65.